Showing posts with label etsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etsy. Show all posts

Saturday, October 26, 2013

I've Fallen for Felted Wool Acorns

Aren't these felted wool acorns adorable!? While they are not my original idea, and really all that new of a concept, they are pretty darn cute, inexpensive, easy and timeless. Win, win, win!




There are two ways you can do this:
1.you can make the felted wool balls yourself and collect your own acorn caps....OR...
2.you can buy the wool balls and acorn caps from someone else and just assemble them.

I did a combination of the two. I collected my acorn caps and purchased the wool balls. You would think it would take quite a while to collect the caps but I was surprised how quickly they added up. Before I knew it I had about 300 - I hope my neighbor appreciates my cleaning up his yard for him!

Since I already have a few projects in the works, I figured I would purchase the wool balls from someone else, this time. Plus I was just dying to make acorns and I wanted to be quick about this project.

Assuming that you are using pre-made wool balls, there are really just a couple steps and a few supplies needed.

Supplies:

Felted wool balls - the 2cm (20mm) ones are about the right size for your average acorn caps.
Hot Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Acorn Caps
Handbehg Felts

Basically, you'll be putting a small amount of glue inside the acorn cap - enough to secure the wool ball well but not so much that it oozes out when you press the ball to the cap - use your best judgement.

You'll want to hold them in place for a few moments, just until the glue sets - it's won't take long at all!

Voila! That's it! Really, that's all you need to do - I told you it was an easy craft!

Of course, if you are using raw wool roving to make your own felted balls, then, yes, the process will be a bit longer - still quite easy, though!

there are a number of places you can purchase wool roving, felted wool balls, acorn caps and other supplies. Handbehg Felts has a nice assortment of colors and supplies in their Etsy shop .
Handbehg Felts




There are always folks on Etsy and eBay selling acorn caps. The ones I collected are your standard traditional style but I purchased some "hairy" or "fringed" ones from a lady on Etsy. This style comes from the Sawtooth Pak, I believe, and they are typically more southern. I'm pretty sure there are none in our Maine weather zone.

Right now, 'Honey Gone Nuts' on Etsy has some listings for purchase - and good prices, too! Click here to see!


Honey Gone Nuts - Etsy


If you're not really into crafting but are looking for a quick and easy project that will impress your other non-crafty friends, this could be it. I put 200 of these babies together one night while watching one of my favorite shows - Shark Tank.

Here's a photo of my finished ones -







Maybe, if time allows at some point, I'll make myself up one of these babies - a felted wool ball rug! Cool, huh!?

                                                               
felted wool ball rug - Etsy



 As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments - I would love to hear your thoughts!

                                         
Best Wishes for Happy Crafting,
Jennifer

Monday, January 21, 2013

Terrific Terrariums!

At this stage of the game, I am certain you have heard of Etsy. What, you haven't!? Are you serious!? How can that be!?

Etsy is this wonderful, creative land in cyberspace that you can visit and enjoy all things handmade. It is chock full of uniqueness, creativity and just plain lovely creations that all sorts of folks have dreamed up.

I like to travel to Etsy land on occasion to see what I can see. Today, I have gardening on my mind. Unfortunately, it is still the middle of winter, here in coastal Maine, so I still have a bit of time before I will be able to do much gardening. Although, a great way to bring a bit of the outdoors in is to create a terrarium.

 I remember my ,mom having a terrarium when I was a little girl. I always loved peeking inside, I don't know what I thought I was going to discover but it was just interesting to me. So, I thought I would see what some of the talented Etsians have come up with for their own terrariums.

I found some really fun ones! Wanna see? Okay!



              Professor Alexander's Botanical Vasculum - Steamed 300 watt Moss Terrarium








                                        Light Bulb Terrariums




                                     Steampunk Air Plant and Moss Terrarium

There you have it, some pretty great examples of terrariums. Of course, these examples are just a drop in the bucket, when speaking of the number of terrarium listings that can be found on Etsy.

You can even score some reasonable priced supplies to help creat your very own fab terrarium!

                                              Check out The Terrarium Shop


  Be sure to visit www.Etsy.com and find some fabulous creations to enrich your life. Support handmade!